The City of Chicago is making a pivotal change in its public safety strategy by discontinuing its use of the disputed ShotSpotter technology. This decision was announced by Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office and is expected to take effect later this year.
ShotSpotter, a system that utilizes AI and a microphone network to detect gunshots, has faced criticism on multiple fronts including accuracy concerns, racial bias, and misuse by law enforcement. An Associated Press investigation highlighted its controversial use when a Chicago man was charged with murder based on evidence from ShotSpotter, but the case was eventually dismissed due to insufficient evidence.
With the impending expiration of the city’s contract with SoundThinking, the company behind ShotSpotter, on Friday, Chicago will begin phasing out the technology by the end of September. The $49 million ShotSpotter investment since 2018 is being redirected to other strategies to enhance public safety.
The city’s approach is to focus on “the most effective strategies and tactics proven to accelerate the current downward trend in violent crime,” striving towards a more secure community. As part of this process, law enforcement and community safety organizations will “assess tools and programs that effectively increase both safety and trust,” resulting in future recommendations.
While SoundThinking did not provide a comment on this recent development, Mayor Johnson, who opposed the system during his campaign, remains focused on fulfilling his campaign promises, despite police leaders who defend the technology’s deployment based on crime rates rather than racial demographics.
Police Superintendent Larry Snelling acknowledges the importance of technology in modern policing, noting that while not perfect, such tools are key in crime-fighting efforts. Despite the challenges, violent crime rates are dropping in Chicago, following a nationwide trend post-pandemic.
However, the Chicago Police Department did not offer a statement and referred inquiries to the mayor’s office.
Community groups have expressed concern that ShotSpotter directs police to Black and Latino communities, leading to unnecessary and aggressive interactions. These concerns, coupled with instances where the system confused other loud noises for gunshots, have led to cities like Charlotte and San Antonio cancelling their contracts with ShotSpotter.
The Stop ShotSpotter Coalition, though supportive of Chicago’s decision, urges quicker action in discontinuing the technology and calls for more direct support for communities affected by gun violence.
FAQ Section
Q: What is ShotSpotter?
A: ShotSpotter is a gunshot detection system utilizing AI and an array of microphones to pinpoint gunshot sounds.
Q: Why is Chicago discontinuing the use of ShotSpotter?
A: Chicago is discontinuing ShotSpotter due to criticisms concerning its accuracy, racial bias, and potential misuse by law enforcement.
Q: When will Chicago stop using ShotSpotter?
A: Chicago plans to phase out the use of ShotSpotter by late September of this year, following the expiration of their current contract.
Q: How much has Chicago spent on ShotSpotter?
A: Chicago has invested $49 million on ShotSpotter technology since 2018.
Q: What is the response from police leaders to the discontinuation of ShotSpotter?
A: Police Superintendent Larry Snelling has acknowledged the imperfection of such technologies but stresses their importance in modern policing.
Conclusion
In a move aligning with Mayor Brandon Johnson’s campaign promise, Chicago’s decision to phase out ShotSpotter marks a significant shift in the city’s public safety protocols. As Chicago seeks to adopt more effective and community-trusted safety strategies, this action resonates with the national discourse on balancing technological tools and civil liberties. The city’s focus now turns to identifying and implementing alternative solutions that address safety concerns while increasing community trust and preventing unnecessary confrontations.